She sat across from me with tears in her eyes…”I don’t believe in myself,” she said. “I don’t believe in my talents. Where do I start? How do I begin?”

I looked at my amazingly talented friend and thought to myself, what do I know? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wondered the same thing with regard to my own life.

It would be safe to say that most of us feel this way periodically – whether a successful business person, top doctor, artist, inspired teacher or all-loving  stay at home mom or dad – we experience the ups and downs of this thing called life. We are faced with tipping points in which we are driven to make decisions that will forever change the course of our journey.

While sitting across from my friend, it occurred to me that when I had been frozen in the past, the only thing that had the power to pull me out of my self-created abyss was action. In realizing this, I suggested, “Why don’t we make a list of the things you need to do to move forward and feel better?”

Our brainstorming session began and we discovered that she needed to:

  • Update her CV
  • Make a concerted effort to grow her business
  • Create a portfolio Website/blog for her photography
  • Work on getting exhibited within a reputable art gallery
  • Organize her apartment to clear her mind
  • Open her heart to meeting the man of her dreams

After pinpointing the direction she needed to move in, we began working on her CV. By the end of our coffee date, we had drilled it out and she was beaming. There were many more things on her list to conquer, but knowing that she had crossed one item off of her list inspired her to move forward.

It only takes a single step in the right direction for our souls to be filled with hope and purpose. We must not get too bogged down by the big picture, but make a concerted effort to figure out which step is first — and then after that first step is taken…take the second…then the third.

Most literature fans are aware that Tolstoy’s War & Peace is a thick, thick book. And when an ambitious person begins reading, they are thinking to themselves, victory is mine!! I’m going to conquer this mad book!!! After reading a few chapters, they close it, place their bookmark where they have left off and realize that they have barely made a dent! In realizing this, many decide that the undertaking may be a bit daunting. The book then is left unread for days, weeks, months. The initially super-trooper reader looks at the book from time to time knowing that they should resume, or it will be added to the list of books that they’ve left unread.

The goal of the reader should be to pick the book back up and and focus on the amazing story…not on the overwhelming thought of the end goal.

We human beings are dissatisfied at projects left undone. They weigh on us subconsciously.  The only sure way for fulfillment is in finishing what we’ve started.

Each day we are faced with challenges, and sometimes we feel like giving up. Our list of to-dos and unfinished projects have us buried, and our concept of self if less then positive. But it only takes one step…and then the next…and then the next…

Start right in and do all those things you feel you have it in you to do. Ask permission of no one. Concentrating your thought upon proper undertaking will make achievement possible. Your belief that you can do the thing gives your thought forces their power. Fortune waits upon you.  Seize her boldly, hold her–and it is yours. It belongs rightfully to you. But if you cringe to it, if you go up to it doubtfully, timidly, it will pass you by in scorn. For fortune is a fickle jade who must be mastered, who loves boldness, who admires confidence. – Robert Collier, in the Secret of the Ages

Let’s all go boldly in the direction of our goals and dreams!! It all starts now :-D

– Jen Engevik of Project BE Bold